Home Made Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese recipe, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and nutty gruyere, this dish takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. A golden, crunchy topping of buttery panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan adds the perfect textural contrast to the luscious pasta. Made with simple pantry staples like elbow macaroni, milk, and a touch of paprika for subtle warmth, this baked mac and cheese comes together in just 40 minutes. Serve it straight out of the oven for a warm, hearty dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy homemade macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
836 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.4 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.8 g | 149% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 1021 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.2 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 29.8 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 649 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 317 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
